It’s that time of year again. The time for joyous celebrations with family and friends, with lots to eat and lots of beautiful presents under a decorated tree. Unfortunately, that scenario is not going to happen for everyone in Lawrence County.

That is the reality the Young Professionals of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce discovered firsthand last season. That’s why they stepped up to help those in need through the Secret Santa fund. And more than 400 childrens got help, not just with toys, but with warm clothing.

And this year the needs are monumentally greater.

As of Friday, 700 children have asked for help. And the Young Professionals are concerned they won’t be able to meet those needs.

“We are really looking at a situation,” Casey Baker, of the Young Professionals, said. “If we don’t get some serious support, we will have to make some tough decisions. We will do what we can to make sure everyone has a good Christmas.”

But they can’t do it alone and Baker is asking for church and community groups to step up and help them meet this extreme need.

“Last year we would not have gotten it done without the support of the community and we can’t do it this year without it,” he said.

The fund is there to help children from birth to 12 years old with clothes, coats and shoes.

“There’s toys, but we do more clothes, coats and shoes than toys,” Baker said. “That is our number one concern, making sure kids have what they need. And if we have money we buy toys.”

The Tribune wants to help the Young Professionals with their generous work.

The newspaper plans to do that by sharing the stories of those in need and those groups who want to help others. They might be some individuals banding together, a church group, a woman’s club or a school. Whoever is thinking of others this holiday season.

The Tribune is calling this the Season of Giving series.

Three times a week from now until the middle of December, The Tribune will publish these stories. “We hope our readers will see the tremendous need in our community and open their hearts and contribute to the Secret Santa Fund,” said Tribune publisher Michael Caldwell.

The community can do that by sending their checks of any amount they wish made out to the LEDC Secret Santa and sent to the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce office, P.O. Box 488, South Point, OH 45680.

They can also do that by sponsoring some children by contacting Baker at 304-691-8410 or emailing at lcypgroup@gmail.com.

“We at The Tribune would like to show our appreciation by putting your name at the end of some of our stories so those who are recipients of the fund will know how generous our community is.” Caldwell said.

The Tribune can put your name in the paper or we can put your contribution in honor or in memory of another, whatever you like. But if you want to be anonymous, the newspaper will honor that as well.

“We hope these stories will enable the Young Professionals to play Secret Santa to more than ever before.” Caldwell said. It’s these caring, generous people who make Lawrence County the special place that it is.